What We DoThe twenty-two member
council, comprised of students ages fourteen to
eighteen, deliberates and advises legislators on
issues important to youth in Washington State.
SB 5254,
enacted by the legislature in 2005, outlines the
council’s duties as follows:
a) Advising the Legislature on proposed and
pending legislation, including state budget
expenditures and policy matters relating to youth;
b) Advising the standing committees
of the Legislature and study commissions, committees
and task forces regarding issues relating to youth;
c) Conducting periodic seminars for
its members regarding leadership, government, and
the Legislature; and
d) Reporting annually by December 1
to the Legislature on its activities, including
proposed legislation that implements recommendations
of the council.
The
council may meet between three and six times yearly,
and hold up to two public hearings on issues of
importance to youth, in addition to its educational
seminars for its members. This council is only the
third in the United States (similar groups exist in
Maine and New Mexico).
